Quadra 4 Operator Manual
Tomtec
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The timed dispense function may also be used for true non-contact dispensing. For that
application, all but the last 3µL of a dispense volume is dispensed using piston
displacement. Then this last 3µL is cleared with the “Timed Dispense Function”. The
3µL slug of liquid normally has sufficient kinetic energy to clear the orifice without
leaving clinging drops.
Where should the “Timed Dispense Function” be made? Normally the tips should be
at the top of the well, but within the confines of top rim. However, if the well volume is
near the top, there is concern for splashing the well contents.
Tomtec’s software provides a third tip height in relation to the well. This is “Clear
Height”. This is defined when the tips are .060 inches above the top of the wells. This
height is used if the stage must index the plate under the tips, for serial dilution as an
example.
In summary, the Quadra software allows the user to set very specific tip heights.
However, this is too tedious and not required for normal use. It may be of value on a
specific protocol. For normal use, the Quadra database software provides 3 specific tip
locations for the specific plate or reservoir that has been selected. They are as follows.
Clear Height: The tips will clear the top of the plate by .060 inches.
Top of Well: The tips are located .060 inches below the top rim of the
well.
Bottom of the Well: The tips are .030 inches from touching the bottom of the
well.
4.1 The Menu Bar
The File Menu
The File Menu consists of two main functions: Importing records from another file, and
exiting the program.
From the File Menu you can Import Plates, Reservoirs, and Fixtures. When
selecting the appropriate category, a dialog box appears.
This Dialog box will allow you to import from database files stored in the Quadra 3 2.6.x
format (*.txt) and the new 3.0.x format (*.dat).
Upon selecting a file, the Import Window will appear. Please refer to the section on
Importing Plates and Fixtures for a detailed explanation of the importing process.
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